a fool!"

"How did he get out of here? Prince, you came in here!"

My heart was wildly thumping. But Anita retorted with a touch of
spirit, "I came to tell him what you commanded. To check Hahn's latest
figures--and to be ready to take the controls when we approached the
asteroid."

"Well, how did he get out?"

"How should I know?" she parried. Little actress! Her spirit helped to
allay my fear. She held her cloak close around her in the fashion they
had come to expect from the George Prince who had just buried his
sister. "How should I know, Miko? I sealed his door."

"But did you?"

"Of course he did," Moa put in.

"Ask your lookouts," Anita said. "They saw me--I waved to them just as
I sealed the door."

I ventured, "I have been taught to open doors." I managed a sly,
lugubrious smile. "I shall not try it again, Miko."

Nothing had been said about my killing of the steward. I thanked my
constellations now that he was dead. "I shall not try it again," I
repeated.

A glance passed between Miko and his sister. Miko said abruptly, "You
seem to realize it is not my purpose to kill you. And you presume upon
it."

"I shall not again." I eyed Moa. She was gazing at me steadily. She
said, "Leave me with him, Miko...." She smiled. "Gregg Haljan, we are
no more than twenty thousand miles from the asteroid now. The
calculations for retarding are now in operation."

It was what had taken Miko below, that and trouble with the
ventilating system, which was soon rectified. But the retarding of the
ship's velocity when nearing a destination required accurate
manipulation. These brigands were fearful of their own skill. That was
obvious. It gave me confidence. I was really needed. They would not
harm me. Except for Miko's impulsive temper, I was in no danger from
them--not now, certainly.

Moa was saying, "I think I may make you understand, Gregg. We have
tremendous riches within our grasp."

"I know it," I said with sudden thought. "But there are many with whom
to divide this treasure...."

Miko caught my intended implication. "By the infernal, this fellow may
have thought he could seize this treasure for himself! Because he is a
navigator!"

Moa said vehemently, "Do not be an idiot, Gregg! You could not do it!
There will be fighting with Grantline!"

My purpose was accomplished. They seemed to see me a willing outlaw
like themselves. As though it were a bond between us.

"Leave me with him," said Moa.

Mi